Literacy Changemakers

“The authors have done an excellent job of offering both initial knowledge for new teachers and deeper knowledge for ongoing learning about ways to support literacy growth across the grades for English speakers and multilingual students—and how to do this as part of a collegial team….The tone of this book is one of joy because it is chock full of real-world ideas that will indeed work for you, your faculty, and your students.”

—from the Foreword by Diane Lapp, EdD, Distinguished Professor of Education, San Diego State University; instructional coach and teacher, Health Sciences High and Middle College


“An amazing book that shares powerful practices to implement immediately in our work. There are ideas in every chapter for those who perform various roles in schools, including district-level administrators and staff developers. Engaging 'Lit Ideas' woven throughout the book offer practical tips to bring joy to our readers and writers of all ages. I appreciate the stories from classrooms and schools and the authors' suggestions for other resources to explore. This book should be on the shelf of every educator who believes in the potential of literacy to change lives.”

—Julia Reynolds, PhD, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, Allendale Public Schools, Michigan


“Outlines a framework that empowers literacy professionals—from classroom teachers to literacy specialists to principals—to be innovators in curriculum and pedagogy. The idea of bringing joy into the classroom to help students realize their potential as readers and writers is powerfully student centered. The book includes small and big ideas for working together in a school to make a difference in the literacy development of students. Students in my literacy coaching course will find that the text provides a practical and relevant roadmap to support systemic work. The book is full of practical 'do-now' ideas as well as suggestions for bigger systemic processes, and its conversational style makes it approachable and relatable.”

—Catherine M. Kelly, PhD, Department of Education, St. Catherine University


“Kunz, Hall, and Lella deliver an encouraging and practical guide to making changes in literacy teaching at the school or district level. Acknowledging the challenges of being a changemaker, the authors offer practical strategies for supporting professional development, encouraging the adoption of new teaching techniques, and welcoming the voices of students and parents. Ways to improve the experiences of young learners, adolescent learners, and multilingual learners are specifically addressed. The authors' enthusiastic voices and detailed suggestions will inspire and prepare readers to lead the way to sustainable change.”

—Susan Dougherty, EdD, College of Education and Human Services, Rider University